Dogfight Rap Kills Vick Ad Deals

Eagles quarterback back in the big leagues of endorsements

(NEWSER) - The Michael Vick comeback continues: Nike has re-signed him to an endorsement deal, reports AP . The company cut ties with Vick nearly four years ago after his dog-fighting troubles, though it had been supplying him with equipment since his NFL comeback. It's not the Eagles' quarterback first endorsement deal since his return in 2009, but it's easily the most high-profile. More»

Redemption is there in spades, but little talk of horrid crime

(NEWSER) - Critics agree BET's The Michael Vick Project is conveniently focused more on the NFL star's comeback than on the horrid crime that laid him low in the first place. Still, some find the 8-episode "quasi-documentary" appealing:

• Vick presents himself as reformed, Robert Lloyd writes in the Los Angeles Times , but in visiting his old dogfighting compound, he " seems more nostalgic than contrite." No matter. "For many, his redemption will be strictly a matter of his playing football well. And if he doesn't, well, at least he won't be shot, drowned or hanged for it."

Champ turning radioactive

(NEWSER) - The champ with the roving hands is getting downright embarrassing, making it likely now that sponsors will do a Tiger Woods and shop around for other hookups. Nike has got to be rethinking its relationship thanks to Woods making its catchphrase "just do it" cringe-inducing. Sponsors aren't the only ones embarrassed. A January Golf Digest cover story featuring Woods and President Obama with the headline "10 Tips Obama Can Take From Tiger" has given editors insomnia. More»

(NEWSER) - Not so fast, Michael Vick. A day after the quarterback's agent announced he had been re-signed by Nike, the sneaker company says it's just not true. “Nike does not have a contractual relationship with Michael Vick," said a spokesman. He added, however, that Vick is getting some free shoes. Nike ditched Vick in 2007 amid the dog-fighting scandal, notes CNBC. "This agent put his Air Vick in his mouth," a marketing consultant tells USA Today. More»

Athletic-apparel company cut ties with QB over dogfighting rap

(NEWSER) - Nike, which ate a reported $1.5 million when it severed ties with Michael Vick over his dogfighting rap in 2007, has signed the quarterback to a new endorsement deal. “He has always been a fan of the brand and looks forward to the relationship,” his agent tells SportsBusiness Journal of Vick, 29, who Sunday played his first NFL game in nearly 3 years. More»